If you have a typically male 2-year-old...

[ApplesTheHare]

What do they enjoy? I say 'typically male' because I couldn't think of another way to put it, but we struggle to get him to interact beyond throwing, hitting and running away... He doesn't speak yet but understands most of what we say. We try and make a game of it all, and positively reinforce good behaviour, but it's hard when all he enjoys seems to be bad behaviour...

I try to get out of the house most mornings with my almost 2 year old, softplay, park, even just going to a friends house for an hour or two to break up the day a bit, then he is alot more settled for the rest of the day. He enjoys duplo, his shape sorter, magnetic letters, playdough, aquadoodle, colouring with crayons. Have also recently bought him a climbing frame for the garden which he loves, and I actually get some sit down time in the garden while he tears around! It's nice inviting his little friends over to run around with him outside too. Definately recommend a trip out of the house in the morning tho, even if you just go for a walk collecting leaves/ pine cones etc, anything!

My dd just loves a big field to run around in. She could run around and explore all day. Add in a ball to throw and pick up and she's in heaven. Action songs, trampoline, cozy coupe, messy play in mud, water or sand also generally a hit. She also loves the odd pause in her frenetic activity to look at a book, so I leave her books strategically around the house. (Ignoring all sex stereotype nonsense)

Sand and water. Hosepipes. Pretend lawnmower. Duplo. Play doh. Paint. Baking. Fridge magnets (hours of on the fridge, move them, put them back on the frdge- loop)

Mine's a little younger but also very active. I got him a puddle suit/all in one raincoat thing and that really helps with getting outside even if the grass in the garden is wet or the swings/slide are wet because it's been raining.
I read him a book in the bath while he's contained in one place... sometimes he takes an interest, sometimes not but it makes me feel better!

My DD went through this - IMO it's not deliberately naughty behaviour, more that at 2yrs old hitting, throwing and running are Fun! They are really only just learning to do them properly and with any skill so naturally want to practice them.... I love sports and was (& am!) really proud when my DD wants to do them too! So, Whenever DD went to do any of the above inappropriately I kind of managed to divert it to a "safer " outlet - eg (as weeble launched across lounge) " wow! Errr, good throwing DD but it's not a good idea to throw toys that will break or break something or hurt someone, how about we play throw & catch with this soft ball instead?! " kind of thing, obvs with variations for hitting (we got a soft bat and ball, & also pillow fights!) & running away (hide and seek)..... Admittedly it did take a bit of self control on occasion not to scream "step away from the TV with train!!!!!!" but - & we may have been lucky on this I admit! - all of these she now does brilliantly!